For all those who are wondering, this is my second chaptered fic. It's going to be eventual Firegrassshipping, or Ash's Sceptile and May's Blaziken, with a few other minor pairings. Oh, and POVs will make their return in this fic, and just assume for this fic only that Pokemon who can't breed with each other can, but the survival rate of the child is very low.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. Are we absolutely clear on that point?

Chapter 1: Memories

Blaziken's POV

One year, three hundred and sixty four and one quarter days. It's amazing how many things can happen during that period of time. I've fought many opponents, both in Pokemon Contests and the occasional challenge from a trainer, despite the fact that he or she probably knows very well that May's a Coordinator, and one who just won the Grand Festival a few days ago. Ah, it felt good to Blaze Kick that arrogant green-haired rose-giving boy's Roselia. It's a pity that was a rare luxury.

I stared up into the sky, my hands behind my head even as I continued to think. I knew that May was going to visit Pallet Town, since she knew that the Sinnoh League was also over and that Ash would probably be heading back there. If I didn't know better, I'd swear on my fighting abilities that those two were dating.

Rising to my feet, I began punching and kicking imaginary targets to keep my reflexes and my skills razor-sharp, a habit I developed when May went to Johto. Thoughts of Ash had led me to think of his Pokemon, and Grass-Type Pokemon in particular. I stopped mid-swing, shaking my head even as I panted slightly. Even after a year, the pain still hadn't gone away. Although my new habit helped me cope with the pain somewhat, it still was rather fresh in my mind.

Before I could stop myself, I slammed my still-clenched fist into the nearest tree, which happened to be just within punching distance. If it wasn't, I might have avoided the jolt of pain which shot up the nerves of my right hand, but it was within my fist's reach, and I flicked my wrist a few times in order to reduce the pain. Even as I brought my favored hand on the battlefield closer to inspect my self-inflicted, and hopefully minor, injury, I couldn't help but think of reasons as to why I would lose my self-control like that. That incident must have affected me in more ways than I thought. Fortunately, the injury was nothing more than a bruise or two. I unclenched my fist, before contemplating on what to do next.

"Morning, Blaziken. You're up early, as always."

"Morning, Veno." I replied, recognizing her from her voice. "You're up late. I thought you would prefer to catch the sun's rays bright and early?"

"Munchlax kept me up all night with his snoring. I swear, he has the marks of a great Snorlax, if you'd consider the amount of noise he makes. I had to sleep in the freaking courtyard just to avoid it. Looks like May letting us sleep outside of our Pokeballs was a double-edged sword."

"Is that so? I slept in a tree." I said, turning around to face her.

"Just like him, eh?" She teased.

"Shut up. I don't want to talk about him." I said rather brusquely. Venosaur's face softened a little.

"You still haven't gotten over him, have you?"

"Look, I really don't want to talk about anything concerning that subject, and especially not about what happened two years back."

She sighed. "If you don't wanna talk about it, that's alright with me. We should get back, though. May's going to wake up soon."

I nodded, before following her back. Even as we walked, my thoughts kept wondering back to him, but I dispelled them and concentrated on picking my way though the woods.

Sceptile's POV

Great. Ash just won the Sinnoh League. That's the news I heard anyway from that assistant of Professor Oak's, Tracey if I recall. I know I should be happy for him, and I am, but that's simply gonna add to his ego. Hoo-ray. Just what everyone needed.

I removed my twig from my mouth, twirled it around once and returned it to its usual spot. Life here in Professor Oak's ranch was boring at best, but the occasional sparring match with random trainers or with some of Ash's Pokemon kept me entertained.

"Sceptile! Get down from that tree branch already! Seriously, you should socialize more."

I snorted, even as my gaze turned towards the ground. "Says the guy who keeps falling asleep during battles, Quilava."

"That was when I was still a Cyndaquil! Things are different now!"

"The more things change, the more they stay the same." I replied, before jumping down from the branch.

"He's right, you know. Who knows when you'll fall asleep again." Bayleef, who was beside Quilava all this time, spoke. Having just evolved a week ago, the usually reserved Volcano Pokemon had barely summoned up the courage necessary to tell her how he felt towards her, and was quite surprised to know that she returned the feelings.

"Hey, aren't you supposed to be on my side?" Quilava asked his girlfriend. She shrugged.

"Just because I love you doesn't mean I can't tease you." She said. Even as I watched those two, I couldn't help but be reminded of one of May's Pokemon. I shook my head, clearing my mind of her. Fortunately, the two Johto starters were too busy arguing to notice.

"Hey, if you two want to flirt, go do it privately." I said, ending their argument. "Anyway, why did you come looking for me in the first place?"

"Oh, that! Well, Tracey said that Ash's coming back soon."

"Thanks for the news update. I knew that one day ago." I remarked. Quilava shook his head.

"There's more. May's also coming to visit."

It took every ounce of willpower in my body to not look shocked.

"Just thought you should know." The Volcano Pokemon added, before he and Bayleef began heading back to the lab. I just stared into space, unable to do anything else.

May was coming to visit. She probably was here to catch up with Ash, but that wasn't what troubled me.

It was the fact that her Pokemon would be with her. And, amongst them, the one whom I had loved and, even after that incident, probably still held a special place in my heart, even though I didn't act like it.

I hate fate. Period.

Thanks for reading. Reviews are appreciated, but flames aren't.